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May / June 2014

31/5/2014

 
PictureThe Villa Studio
I think our long, hot summer may finally be coming to an end. It can be hard to exercise in winter if the weather is against you and motivation is lacking. The good news at Northland Pilates is that it is always dry and comfortable and we are your motivators so that you can come out of the other side of winter feeling and looking good.

Not only is Pilates good for the body, it's great for the mind too. A team of researchers in the USA tested the cognitive function of regular Pilates participants and found it to be much better than a control group who did no Pilates. They suspect it has to do with the concentration and precision of the class plus the need to memorise the moves. The suggestion is that Pilates might also help people with degenerative brain conditions.

Some more research from the US found it stimulates the endocrine system and the production of certain feel good hormones. That's got to be good for the mind aswell.

There has also been some research on how practising Pilates throughout pregnancy can positively affect the baby as well as the mum. Babies born to regular Pilates exercisers had a greater brain maturity for their size than babies of those mums who did not do Pilates.

Carla and the few of you who are pregnant or have recently given birth should be pleased with that those findings!!

As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, doing mindful exercise or being mindful about any of your exercise has many benefits. In some successful weight loss programmes now, there is a focus on practising mind/ body awareness alongside physical activity to control weight. Pilates is ideal for this as it combines both, giving you a significant calorie burning workout and also having a mindful element.

All the research and findings I have mentioned above had the participants doing their Pilates work a minimum of twice a week to show these benefits. I know I'm always banging on about this but to get the maximum benefit , you have to be really regular. If you can't make class for any reason, take one of our exercise sheets and have a go at home when it's convenient or try just a few of the exercises really often, four or five times a week.

The only negative effect that some people experience is cramp, especially in the feet and especially as the weather gets colder. We have socks for sale specifically for Pilates and yoga with non slip soles if you feel you need them.

As of the beginning of this year, Northland Pilates is chemical free in all its cleaning, using Enjo products so you don't have to worry if you have any allergies or sensitivities and we are helping protect the environment.

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    Author

    Niki Barker is a lifelong fitness devotee.  Previously a physiotherapist with a long career history in paediatric and adult rehabilitation and extensive experience with war injuries.  

    And a lover of Pilates .

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